A cheaper, leaner kind of burger
Would you believe that a recipe that came from the Great Depression could be so appealing today? As an affordable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, canned salmon in combo with breadcrumbs and egg creates a simple yet delicious lunch, dinner, or snack. It’s the down-to-earth, easy-to-make cousin of crab cakes, and a lighter seafood version of the classic beef burger.
Whether you serve them on a bun, on top of a salad, or plain as is, the simplicity of these salmon patties makes them super fun to play with. With seasonings, you can either dress ’em up or dress ’em down, depending on the occasion. Want a little more spice? Add one teaspoon of smoked paprika, cumin, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Looking to add a touch of sweetness? Add a tablespoon of maple syrup, which not only balances the flavors but helps moisten the mix.
Are Salmon Patties Healthy?
There’s a lot of debate these days about the wholesomeness of salmon, especially canned. If you prefer, you can use fresh salmon, which will just add a little more prep to your cooking time. You’d just need to bake the salmon without any seasonings and then pull it apart the way you would pull pork. But no matter which kind you use, salmon is a good source of protein. To get the highest quality salmon possible, it’s important to know where it’s sourced from. Wild-caught salmon is a good option.
For wheat-sensitive folk, this recipe can easily be adjusted by replacing regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
Did Salmon Patties Save the South?
While all of North America was hit by the Great Depression from 1929 to 1941, the southern US states seemed to take the brunt of it. So, how do salmon patties come into play? Well, in order to help, the government provided subsidies to salmon producers, which meant that canned salmon cost less than a nickel and became a staple in many households across the South. Families relied on this affordable protein to make filling meals during tough times.
It’s humbling to see that we can now approach this recipe in a new light, with as much respect for the past as excitement and creativity for the present.
How to make ahead and store
To prep in advance, you can pre-mix the patty batter and keep it in a covered bowl in the fridge overnight, before frying the next day.
In an airtight container, the cooked salmon patties can last for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply let them sit in the fridge overnight before reheating on medium-high the next day. They can also be reheated in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe makes four servings, which is perfect for a hungry couple or a small family, in only 25 minutes. Feel free to double or even triple the batch if you have more mouths to feed.
As for what to serve with the salmon patties, I recommend adding a decadent dollop of Tartar Sauce and a side of Sweet Potato Salad. This makes a light and bright, Southern-inspired meal that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 15 oz canned salmon drained
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine drained salmon, breadcrumbs, onion, and beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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